The Elder Nutrition Program of the Osage Nation will oversee the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) grant. The aim is to establish fresh partnerships with farmers, ranchers, and producers who are socially disadvantaged in Osage County and a 400-mile vicinity. The initiative will be called Prairie to Plate Food Outreach.
The funds allocated for food will be used to establish and maintain partnerships with local food producers who are underprivileged. This initiative is expected to enhance the distribution channel, meet supply chain requirements, and promote economic growth, benefiting these vendors.
It is crucial for residents in rural Osage County to have better access to affordable and nutritious food. This will allow them to obtain fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats, making maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet easier. The population includes households as well as tribal and county programs that offer daily meals to participants and clients.
The Osage Nation Elder Nutrition Program will distribute food monthly to the tribal school, early learning academy, daycare centers, and Osage County Nutrition Sites for Elders. This will be done through the Prairie to Plate Food Outreach Director and a designated point of contact. The Elder Nutrition Program Site will have a set date and time each month for the distribution.